Back in December of '98, I was looking for some strings for an instrument that you don't see or hear often these days. The instrument is called "santouri". Dino told me that he didn't deal with this kind of instrument and therefore he didn't carry the strings, but he was willing to try and help me find what I was looking for. Usually when you walk into a store and they don't carry what you need, you walk out and keep on looking. Dino's willingness to try and find the strings impressed me. As they very truly say, the first impression is the best impression. Ever since then something was pulling me to his place and being that I like music a lot, and love the sound of bouzouki I went back to learn bouzouki. The bouzouki teacher is George Vlesmas who is playing bouzouki for over 30 years and he has accompanied many great names during his career. Every time I had a lesson I would go a few minutes earlier so that I could watch Dino perform his magic in the making of a bouzouki. I envied his talent and I wished that I could do the same. His work is always as perfect as humanly possible and he is not satisfied until the instrument's sound is satisfactory to his ears. Within a few months I couldn't resist, so I told Dino that I wanted to be the owner of one of his creations. He started working on it, and within a few months I couldn't believe my ears. When I play the bouzouki, I find myself in a different time and place. To this day when I walk into his store I feel like I am walking into my home. His good heart and friendly smile make you feel comfortable enough to sit down, pick up a bouzouki and start playing. Soon enough, you realize that you are not playing alone. As soon as you start playing, Dino picks up his guitar and starts playing with you creating an atmosphere that you don't want to get away from.

I could go on and on but all I want to say is that my experience with Dino has been the most pleasant, and if reading this it makes you wonder, all you have to do is stop by and see for yourself.

GEORGE FOTAKIS

WOODSIDE, NY